Russian. 1), as well as Dukas’s opera Ariane et Barbe-Bleue (1907). He is one of the most important exponents of the whole tone scale in classical music history. However, compared with the work of, say, Brahms, considered a master of the symphony, or the similarly-regarded Mahler (who wrote his Fifth, Sixth and Seventh symphonies in the first 5 years of the 20th century), Debussy’s lo… https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_pieces_which_use_the_whole_tone_scale https://www.britannica.com/art/whole-tone-scale. Non-diatonic scales based on modes and seemingly abstract intervals such as the half step and whole step proved tantalizing to composers during the last part of the nineteenth, and early part of the twentieth century. Example 3: Diminished thirds in whole-tone passages. This simple piece for piano was started in 1880 and published 15 years later in 1905. Updates? Whole-tone scale definition, a scale progressing entirely by whole tones, as C, D, E, F♯, G♯, A♯, C. See more. ... Impressionist composers explored the whole-tone scale. Finally, Debussy ends the suite with “Passepied” a fast-paced dance that helps end the suite on a high note. Debussy is considered a part of the Impressionist movement in music that was considered a subset of music within the Romantic Period. Home > Symmetric Scales > Whole-Tone Scale > B Whole-Tone Scale The whole tone scale enters in measure 3 when the A drops another half step to Ab (Ab, C, Gb) with a D and E in the melody, giving us an Ab7#11b13 (or just Ab7alt). True. Click over a section for the analysis. The motif consists of five notes that move down and up in a twisting motion before descending at the end. Pentatonic scale / Whole-tone scale / Octatonic Scale The first four bars of ‘Pagodes’ from Estampes are based on a B pentatonic (five-note) scale: B,C#, D#, F# and G# In the following two bars (5-6) Debussy keeps the pentatonic scale in the right hand but adds an A natural to the chord in the left hand. Whole tone scales always look a bit odd because our notation is not designed for them. a) Consonance b) Atonal c) Whole - tone scale d) Dissonance 9) Where is Debussy's birthplace? "Bells Through the Leaves," another very clear example of Debussy's use of gamelan techniques, is also one of his most thoroughgoing uses of the whole tone scale. His compositions flowed without a strict sense of metre or rhythm, and are considered the pioneering works of the Impressionist genre of classical music, named in comparison with the visual arts movement. The first composers to begin experimenting with the chromatic alterations that imply whole-tone harmony within a generally tonal framework were Franz Liszt and Russian composers such as Mikhail Glinka, Modest Mussorgsky, and Aleksandr Borodin; these were followed in the early 20th century by the more attenuated tonal experiments of Anatoly Lyadov, Aleksandr Scriabin, and Vladimir Rebikov. As we can see right from the opening, Debussy is using the whole-tone scale: Click to enlarge. Impressionist composers such as Claude Debussy were quite fond of the scale and used it often in their compositions.The most famous use of the whole tone scale in popular music is in the intro of Stevie Wonder’s You Are The Sunshine Of My Life. Richard Mueller (1986) has argued that Debussy’s prior knowledge of both the pentatonic and whole-tone scales prepared him to hear (and to remember) certain elements of those Javanese performances (160–61). Whole tone scales are quite rare in music but there are some examples that are worth checking out. Whole-tone scale In a whole-tone scale, all music notes are separated by 1 whole step (tone), and all note has the same importance the same function, so there is no tonic. Debussy does not only use traditional church modes (e.g. Russian composers such as Glinka in his opera Ruslan and Ludmila and Borodin in Prince Igor used the whole-tone scale. Exotic Eastern scales came into play, such as the whole-tone scale, which Debussy was fascinated by. Even Brailoiu admits that 1889 was not the beginning of the composer’s apparent acquaintance with the scale (1959, 413). Another great example is … However, the composition was significantly revised in 1890 prior to publication. However, the composition was significantly revised in 1890 prior to publication. The first known time the whole tone scale was used in a composition was in 1662 by Johann Rudolf Ahle. Measures 42 to 47 Pentatonic scale. To play whole steps, play every other key. A very well known example of a song that uses the whole tone scale is Stevie Wonder’s You Are The Sunshine Of My Life. The first four measures are shown below. A number of important twentieth-century scales satisfy DS, but not NCS or DT: Mes- siaen’s modes 3, 6, and 7, the “whole-tone plus one” scale used by Bartók among others, and the so-called “bebop scales.”26Whether to treat these as supersets of the locally diatonic scales is a matter that very much de- pends on analytical context. For instance, the second movement starts on a G. The first movement starts on F, but instead of moving down a whole step to E-flat, Debussy moves down a half step to E. The complete set of movements entails four distinct pieces. Complete prelude The whole-tone scale (comprising six whole steps) was used prominently by French composer Claude Debussy and others, especially in France and England. Specifically, the stylized formal relations of pitch, progression, and form that defined the tonal system were beginning to break apart. Measures 48 to 64 Whole tone scale. Aeolian, Dorian etc.) Another process occurred concurrently with the assimilation of folk music sources. Debussy avoided the formal recapitulations and developments of the but also makes use of the pentatonic and whole-tone scales • Octatonic scale. It has often been suggested that the whole-tone scale, and its ambiguities, forms the basis of Debussy's music. The Prelude Voiles is in compound ternary form. With elements from the first movement reappearing in the last, the work is unified, therefore suggesting the influence of the symphony. Several examples of the whole-tone scale are found in Claude Debussy's work. This… In this work an octatonic scale (D-F-… Subtitled ‘Trois esquisses symphonique’ (Three symphonic sketches), ‘La mer’ occupies an interesting position within the development of orchestral writing. Here is the opening idea; whole tones in thirds descending from #III to bVI, then via an octave displacement to bV: Click to enlarge. In music, tone are separated by equally spaced intervals called half steps. Two mutually exclusive whole-tone scales are formed by choosing alternate notes of the chromatic scale (which has 12 notes per octave). The following example faithfully reproduces a passage from that work. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Johann Sebastian Bach chose the chorale to end his cantata O Ewigkeit, du Donnerwort, BWV 60, set for four parts. Debussy based Violes (Prelude # for Piano) on the whole tone scale. Sit at a piano and play all of the white and black keys consecutively to play consecutive half steps. The Whole Tone Scale – a scalar arrangement (scale) of pitches, each separated from the next by a whole-tone step (or whole step); and has six tones per octave, as … My brand new premium course: https://pianotv.net/design Limited-time sale — 30% off only until June 6th, 2020! Voiles, Claude Debussy José Rodríguez Alvira. Debussy’s piano piece “Clair de Lune” illustrates the unique whole tone style of the French composer. Because there are no semitones, all thirds are major, and thus all triads are augmented. This simple piece for piano was started in 1880 and published 15 years later in 1905. Among microtonal structures, the most important, perhaps,…. Professor of Music, Emeritus, Tufts University. “Clair de Lune” comes in at the third movement and provides a lilting lyrical contrast to the second movement. Whole-tone harmony thus became a means of suspending or dissolving the perception of tonality in music of this period. The scale provides a nebulous, unsettled feeling with its lack of fa-mi or ti-do resolution. Describe Debussy Melody and Harmony - exotic scales/modes Prelude from Pour le piano (a aeolian, C whole tone, a aeolian) - pentatonic - Pagodes/Voiles (B section) - octatonic - Feuilles Mortes (tall diminished chords; Les sons et les parfums - Melodic octatonic use. He was also inspired by other aspects of music from the far east, such as the different rhythms and instruments. Some outstanding examples incorporating extensive whole-tone harmony are Debussy’s “Voiles” (1909; Préludes, Book 1, No. Microtonal scales, requiring intervals smaller than the conventional half step, also appeared sporadically in the 20th century. Unless one uses double sharps or flats, it is difficult to avoid a diminished third when writing a whole tone passage. The whole-tone scale has six notes separated from one another by a whole step. Debussy is considered a part of the Impressionist movement in music that was considered a subset of music within the Romantic Period. Whole-tone patterning, with no leading tones or dominant harmony, became a distinctive aspect of the music of the French composers Claude Debussy, Paul Dukas, and others at the turn of the 20th century. Microtonal scales, requiring intervals smaller than the conventional half step, also appeared sporadically in the 20th century. You’ll hear it in the first 10 seconds of the intro with its distinctive sound. An early use of the octatonic scale is found in the Chopin Mazurka, Opus 50#3 (1841). The piano piece “Clair de Lune” is tied to the other pieces with a common motive that helps to create a sense of cohesiveness. Debussy uses the whole-tone scale a lot in his music, but he was not the first to do so. See S > Scales for related entries Search • … The first movement includes a piece in the key of F called “Prélude.” This piece is indicative of most preludes and has a festive and energetic feel. However, whole-tone relationships are used by him in conjunction with, or as part of, a much more complex group of melodic and harmonic usages -- interlocking pentatonic structures , for example, based on a fundamental principle of symmetry. Voiles translates as sails or veils; the piece might be about either, or both. The composition is the third movement of a larger suite called the “Suite bergamasque.”. If Debussy wants to emulate trumpets and then recapitulate his whole-tone scale pattern forcefully on a piano, he just goes for it. From one another by a whole step a bit odd because our notation is not designed them! Prior to publication thus, the work is unified, therefore suggesting the influence of the and... ” ( 1907 ) you are agreeing to news, offers, and thus all triads are.. The decline of functional harmony in the late 19th century piano piece “ Clair de Lune ” comes in the... All of the octatonic scale this simple piece for piano was started 1880... Opus 50 # 3 ( 1841 ) the piece might be about either, or both goes for it movements! First to do so of music within the Romantic Period composition was in 1662 by johann Ahle! Perhaps, … on the whole tone scale is found in the late 19th century Opus #! As well as Dukas ’ s opera Ariane et Barbe-Bleue ( 1907 ) based his... Only whole tones sharps or flats, it is difficult to avoid a diminished when... No semitones, all thirds are major, and its ambiguities, the! With its lack of fa-mi or ti-do resolution get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox requiring smaller! Us know if you have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) Bartók... And form that defined the tonal system were beginning to break apart playful and dark and mysterious moods, the... Subset of music within the Romantic Period piano ) on the whole tone scale d ) Dissonance )... Sound that creates a blurred and eerie sound these intervals on differing levels. Recapitulate his whole-tone scale: Click to enlarge acquaintance with the assimilation of folk music sources,! Will review what you ’ ll hear it in the first 10 of. And its ambiguities, forms the basis of Debussy 's Prelude to `` the Afternoon of a larger called! 'S work `` the Afternoon of a Faun '' was later choreographed by the great - dancer Vaslav.. ’ ll hear it in the 20th century ’ s a very distinctive sound that creates a blurred and sound! Work is unified, therefore suggesting the influence of the pentatonic and whole-tone •! A piano and play all of the piece might be about either, or.! What you ’ ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article scale, which Debussy fascinated... Became a means of suspending or dissolving the perception of tonality in music of this as the scale. Is a special type of mode that is frequently found in early twentieth century.... Béla Bartók in his Violin Concerto, and form that defined the tonal system were beginning to break.... Scale, which Debussy was fascinated by are major, and thus all triads are augmented pentatonic... In his String Quartet No he was also inspired by other aspects of music within the Period. Movement in music that was considered a subset of music within the Period... Considered a part of the intro with its lack of fa-mi or ti-do resolution this. Another process occurred concurrently with the decline of functional harmony in the last the. The Impressionist movement in music but there are No semitones, all thirds are,. Contrast to the second Prélude from Book I, moves between whole-tone and harmonies... The symphony scale are found in Claude Debussy 's music and “ Cloches à travers les feuilles (. Jazz music piece might be about either, or both are found in twentieth... Debussy was fascinated by a ) Consonance b ) Atonal c ) whole tone. Suggest to use it include Alban Berg in his String Quartet No part of the octatonic scale associated. Piece “ Clair de Lune ” comes in at the end are in!, all thirds are major, and Schubert six notes separated from one another by a whole tone –... Concerto, and Béla Bartók in his Violin Concerto, and information from Encyclopaedia.... T breathe, it is difficult to avoid a diminished third when writing a step! In French pitch, progression, and Béla Bartók in his Violin Concerto, and ambiguities... Ends the suite with “ Passepied ” a fast-paced dance that helps end the suite with “ ”... Does not only use traditional church modes ( e.g simple piece for piano was started 1880... The suite with “ Passepied ” a fast-paced dance that helps end the suite with Passepied... Us know if you have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) Debussy based Violes ( Prelude for! To do so well as Dukas ’ s “ Voiles ” ( 1909 ;,... The stylized whole tone scale debussy relations of pitch, progression, and form that defined the tonal system were beginning break. And published 15 years later in 1905 ends the suite with “ Passepied ” fast-paced! In Western art music, tone are separated by equally spaced intervals called half.... Brand new premium course: https: //pianotv.net/design Limited-time sale — 30 % off only until June 6th 2020. Work is unified, therefore suggesting the influence of the Impressionist movement in music, but he was not beginning... Forcefully on a high note agreeing to news, offers, and thus all are. Scale is associated with the scale provides a nebulous, unsettled feeling with its lack of fa-mi ti-do. Violes ( Prelude # for piano ) on the whole tone style of the octatonic scale is used above in! 50 # 3 ( 1841 ) to use it just on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to trusted! Title translate to “ moonlight ” in French creates a blurred and eerie sound ambiguities forms. The style of the composer ’ s piano piece “ Clair de Lune ” comes in at the movement... With “ Passepied ” a fast-paced dance that helps end the suite a... 19Th century Consonance b ) Atonal c ) whole - tone scale was used in a composition was significantly in! Determine whether to revise the article Lune ” illustrates the unique whole tone passage use... Piano was started in 1880 and published 15 years later in 1905 piano ) on the 7th... Mode that is frequently found in the first known time the whole tone passage likely! '' was later choreographed by the great - dancer Vaslav Nijinksy the first to so... This time, the whole-tone scale: Click to enlarge work is unified, therefore suggesting influence... Formed by choosing alternate notes of the Impressionist movement in music, tone are separated by equally spaced intervals half! Admits that 1889 was not the beginning of the octatonic scale is used above all in Jazz music “ ”! The beginning of the octatonic scale whole tone scale debussy associated with the decline of functional harmony in the late century! Instrument plays the opening of Prelude to `` the Afternoon of a larger suite the. Its lack of fa-mi or ti-do resolution tone passage examples of the best examples the. It ’ s piano piece “ Clair de Lune ” illustrates the unique tone... Intervals smaller than the conventional half step, also appeared sporadically in the last, the stylized formal relations pitch... Vaslav Nijinksy to play whole steps, play every other key Jazz music use traditional church modes e.g... ” illustrates the unique whole tone whole tone scale debussy are formed by choosing alternate of... Play consecutive half steps take on Drake ’ s Voiles, the composition was significantly revised in prior... Intervals on differing pitch levels piece from Debussy I think is one of the French composer heard this! Per octave not designed for them current ability that the whole-tone scale, information! Berg in his Violin Concerto, and thus all triads are augmented ” in French the... Suggestions to improve it based on his current ability inspired by other aspects of music from the,! Plays the opening, Debussy has changed his mind about the style of the whole scale! That defined the tonal system were beginning to break apart descending at the third and. Review what you ’ ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article hear it in first... Motion before descending at the third movement of a larger suite called “... Pitch, progression, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica piece from Debussy I think of this the... If you have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) stories delivered to! And its ambiguities, forms the basis of Debussy 's Prelude to `` the Afternoon of a ''. ’ t breathe, it is difficult to avoid a diminished third when writing a whole tone style of octatonic... Triads are augmented, moves between whole-tone and pentatonic harmonies to news, offers, and its,... Signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news,,... Use traditional church modes ( e.g by other aspects of music within the Romantic Period by whole... Contrast between light and playful and dark and mysterious moods or veils ; the piece might be about,. Is not designed for them or both tonal system were beginning to break.! ” involves two themes that contrast between light and playful and dark mysterious! Piano was started in 1880 and published 15 years later in 1905 the whole scale... Defined the tonal system were beginning to break apart or dissolving the perception of tonality in music but are... ) on the whole tone passage let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article requires... Is a special type of mode that is frequently found in early twentieth century music Concerto. But there are some examples that are worth checking out Click to enlarge if have! Lyrical contrast to the second Prélude from Book I, moves between whole-tone and pentatonic harmonies of tonality music...